Films for Future Festival 2026: Tipping Points, AI and Crises in Cinema

Description

Who shapes the future: the powerful, the climate crisis, AI? Or in the end, all of us? Throughout November, the largest sustainability film festival in the German-speaking part of Switzerland brings over 100 films to Zurich: Swiss premieres, award-winning films from Oscars to Sundance, and stories from here. Selected program highlights
As an emotional highlight, the sensitive documentary "The Weight of the World" opens the festival: The film shows a new generation of scientists leaving the ivory tower of research. They realize that pure climate facts are no longer enough and become active themselves. The other program points also address existential turning points: "The AI Race" examines the eerie pace of artificial intelligence and how it threatens humanity. A brutal contrast is provided by "2000 Meters to Andriivka" – the official Ukrainian Oscar submission follows soldiers in the nerve-wracking fight for a destroyed village. "The Voice of Hind Rajab" reconstructs the shocking rescue attempt for a girl in Gaza. But the real action begins after the credits
After each screening, filmmakers, experts, and politicians discuss with the audience. Guests include, among others, business journalist and bestselling author Ulrike Herrmann, pioneer of the energy transition and Swiss architect Barbara Buser, BASF millionaire heiress Marlene Engelhorn, who renounced most of her inheritance and had a citizens' council decide where the money flows. Military economist Marcus Keupp researches how economic interests fuel wars – and what this has to do with us. Garden expert Scarlet Allenspach shows how much future is in a piece of earth. Climate book author Marcel Hänggi makes it clear why the transition from oil, gas, and coal is not utopian but a matter of political will. Impact Day & Simulation
Interested parties can also get involved this year at special events. On Impact Day, everything revolves around how narratives can shape and change our society. A workshop will simulate a parliamentary session on climate protection. Look forward to incredible films, prominent guests, and inspiring conversations at over 10 locations across Zurich. Because here, cinema is more than entertainment: it provokes thought and inspires action.

• When: November 1 to 30, 2026
• Where: over 10 locations across Zurich, including blue Cinema Corso, Kino Toni, Rote Fabrik, and Karl der Grosse
• Tickets: Festival pass for all films only CHF 49.–
• Program and pre-sale: from October 15 at films-for-future.org

Highlights

• Over 100 award-winning films
• Discussions with filmmakers and experts
• Festival pass for CHF 49.–

General Information

The Films for Future Festival takes place from November 1 to 30 in Zurich and features a variety of films on topics such as climate, artificial intelligence, and democracy. In addition to film screenings, there are discussion rounds with professionals and prominent guests after each screening.

Location

8000 Zürich, Switzerland

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